Aeroplane.



, M. o. KRARUP.

` I AEROPLANR APPLICATION YILED JULY 30, 191.0. 1,129,874. Y

Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

7 `SHEETSSHEET 1.

INVENTOR M. G. KRARUP.

ABRGPLANB. A

APPLICATION FILED JULY 30, 1910.

Patented M2122, 1915.

'I SHEETS-SHEET 3. A

1HE MORRIS PEYFHS C0 M4010 LNH M. C. KRARUP.

AEROPLANE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY so, 1910 Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

lNVENTOR WITNESSES:

INE NORUS PETERS co. nam Llrno WASHINQION, D c

y r hm M. C. KRARUP. ABRUPLANB.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 80, 1910. 1,129,874.

Patented Mal 2, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

ffii

INVENTOR ATTORN mE NQRNIS PErr/vs Co pHoro-LNH L v Q( o.. wAsnmcroN. D

M. C. KRARUP.

ABROPLANB.

` f* l APPLICATION FILED JULY 30, 1910.

wei {Ablatented Mar. 2, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

INVENTOR WITNESSES:

ATTORNEY fr im TED srafrns 'PATENT OFFICE.

MARIUS C. KRARUP, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

AER-OPLANE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

Application led July 30, 1910. Serial No. 574,662.

T0 all whom t may concern Be it known that I, MARrUs C. KRARUP, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, in the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Aeroplanes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to aeroplanes, and its object is to construct an apparatus of this character which is capable of great flexi bility of control and which has many advantages over such apparatus of this character as have hitherto been known in the art.

I will describe my invention in the following specification and point out the novel features thereof in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of an aeroplane made according to my invention. Fig. 2 isa sectional front elevation of the frame of the apparatus shown in Fig. l. In Fig. 3 I have shown in rear elevation, on a somewhat larger scale, a catch mechanism, and Fig. #l is a sectional front elevation through the line 4 4 of Fig. 1 showing the construction of the skids. Fig. 5 is a front elevation and Fig. 6 a plan view of the frame of the body 1 portion of the machine. In Fig. 7 I have shown in side elevation a part of the frame of my aeroplane together with some of its actuating and controlling mechanisms. Fig.

is a front elevation of an upright support for the upper planes, showing the manner in which they are connected therewith. Fig. 9 is a sectional plan view of this upright support, and a plan view of the blocks which slide therein. Fig. 10 shows a detail of construction, this figure heilig a side elevation of a pivotal support for the inner ends of the upper planes. Fig. 11 is a side elevation of a universal joint supporting mechanism for these planes.l Fig. 12 is a plan view of a central portion of the apparatus with some of the parts removed to more clearly show the construction and arrangement of the mechanisms. In Fig. 13 I have illustrated in bottom plan view a portion of one of the fixed planes showing a preferred form of construction therefor. A sectional side elevation of one of the upper or movable planes is shown in Fig. 1l, and Fig. 15 is an inverted plan view of a portion thereof. Fig. 1G is a sectional side elevation of the propeller. Fig. 17 is a rear elevation of the propeller, and Fig. 18 shows on a somewhat larger scale a detail of its construction. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the rear or tail of the body portion of my improved aeroplane. Fig. 20 is a side elevation, and Fig. 21 is a front View of the frame of a modified form of my invention. Fig. 22 is a fragmentary view of the frame of Figs. 2O and 21 modified to adapt it for use in a biplane.

Like characters of reference designate corresponding parts in all of the figures.

10 designates the main body portion of the apparatus. This comprises a front diamond-shaped frame 11 and a similar frame 12 situated back of and slightly below the frame 11. These are rigidly connected by suitable cross-braces and struts, as is shown most clearly in Figs. 5 and 6, which form the main frame upon which all the other parts of the apparatus are supported.

A prow 13 projects forwardly from the frame 11. This is constructed of a plurality of spars 14 running from the corners of the frame 11 to a common central point in front of it, and is provided with a suitable covering 15. The stern or tail portion 16 is constructed of spars 17 running rearwardly from the frame 12 to two rudder posts 18 which preferably lie in a common vertical plane and are fixed at right-angles to each other. This tail portion is also provided with a covering 19.

Main skids 20 are aiiXed to the prow and tail of the machine as well as to its main frame. These may be `constructed of a pair of parallel rails 21 on the lower edges of which are outwardly projecting ribs 22. Between these rails are journaled at intervals wheels 23 which are provided with small grooves, and another grooveless wheel 24 near the forward part of the apparatus.

25 is an au.\:iliar \1 skid under each of the main skids, on which is a straight wire 26 which forms a track for the grooved wheels. To the sides of these under skids are aflixed brackets 2T which pass over the sides and tops of the ribs 22. The rear brackets 2S pass all the way over the main skid while the front brackets 29 pass up above the rails 21. r

30 designates a block slidably mounted on a strut 31 which runs from the main skid to one of the spars 1l. This block carries lugs 32 which project back of the upper ends of the brackets 29.

33 is a cord which runs from the block 30 vsupport two fixed planes 36. These fixed planes are preferably supported in some such way as that lllustrated somewhat 1n detail in Fig. 13. 37, 37 are front and rear battens running longitudinally between these planes, and aixed to them and to the lateral spars 35 are ribs 38. Running diagonally between the ribs 3S are cross-braces 39. Across the tops of the frames thus formed are stretched the coverings which form these planes. The parts ofl these frames project slightly below the coverings, thus dividing the under surfaces into panellike shallow pockets open at the bottom. Such a construction performs a desired function which is specifically set forth in a copending application for Letters Patent,

.Serial Number 567,163, filed by me on the 16th day of June, 1910.

From the outer corners'of the frames 11 and 12 are risers 40, each pair of which are joined together at the top and form bearings 41 for the trunnions of a segmental track bearing 42 within which are supported and guided rotatable plane-supporting members 43. These parts form universal joint supporting mechanisms for the upper planes 50. One of these mechanisms is clearly shown in F ig. 11.

Through each of the members 43 run three transverse tubes 44. These are rigidly affixed to the supporting members 43 and to a plurality of spacers 45 which serve to hold them apart and in rigid relation to each other. The inner ends of these tubes are affixed to brackets 46. Each of these Vbrackets rotatably supports a bushing 47 to these grooves which is arranged to pass p through a slot in the slide 48.

Each of the planes or wings 50 may be built up in some such manner as that illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. 51 designates longitudinal ribs which are affixed to the two upperl rods 44. Transverse braces 52 run between these ribs and hold them rigidly together. 53 is a spar running across the front of the wing. To the rear of the ribs 51 are affixed the ends of strips 54 bowed over and their ends placed between adjacent ribs. Each of these strips forms a flexible resilient frame. Over the upper sides of -t"lie*fr`iework of the wings thus formed is stretched and fastened a covering of suitable thin material. The framework projects downwardly from the under surface of the covering material and divides this surface into a plurality of shallow open pockets. Each wing has some resiliency and is rigidly supported upon a main shaft which is built up of the three rods 44 in such a manner that the positions of the wings are dependent upon the positions which are given to these rods, and which, as 1ilvill be now set forth, may be adjusted at W1 Depending from each of the slides 48is an arm 51. Each of these arms passes between a pair of rollers 52, each pair of which is mounted in a block and these vblocks are connected together by a cord 53 which passes around a pulley 54 on a pivoted arm 55, and the ends of which are wound around a rotatable control shaft 56 in opposite direct-ions and are aflixed thereto. 57 is a post which supports the control shaft. This post is pivoted to the frame of the apparatus so that it may be moved back and forth at will. A. cord 58 runs from the post 57 around a pulley in front of it to a pulley back of the arm 55, and thence to this arm to which it is attached. Tf desired another cord 59 may connect the post 57 and the arm 55. By this arrangement the operator, by pushing the shaft 56 forward, may move both of the arms 51 forward together, and in doing so cause both of the slides 48 and the rods 44 which are connected therewith to be rotated. Thus the front edge of the planes 50 may be raised. By pulling the control shaft backward these planes may be tilted in the opposite direction. By rotating the shaft 56 in one direction or the other the arms 51 may be moved in opposite directions and the planes or wings simultaneously tilted in opposite directions. These operations may be accomplished separately or together.

Each of the slides 48 is pivotally mounted in a block 60, and these blocks are slidably supported in a vertical post 61 which is rigidly connected with the frame of the machine. A sprocket chain 69. is attached to the top and bottom of each block. This chain runs over a wheel 63 above the post 61 and under another wheel 64 below the post. Another sprocket wheel at the side of the wheel 64 and arranged to be rotated with it is connected by a chain 65 with a sprocket-wheel 66 under the operators seat 67. 68 is a crank handle for turning the sprocket-wheel G6, and 69 is a holding device therefor. By this arrangement the vertical positions of the blocks 60 may be changed at will. lVhen the blocks are in their upper positions the wings 50 will be held in a position horizontal relative to the other parts of the apparatus. Then they are pulled down the'inner ends of the rods 44 will be depressed and the outer ends of the main wings raised. Either or both of these wings may thus be swung about the trunnions in the bearings 41 at will. Thus,

' the each of the main planes or wings may be tension of which other. the apparatus may be steered by manipulatilted either transversely or longitudinally in relation to the body portion of the apparatus and in relation to the smaller fixed planes 36, and these operations may be performed separately or simultaneously.

To the posts 18 at the rear of the tail portion 16 are pivoted rudders 70. Projecting.

from the outer surface of each ruddery is a bracket 71, and these brackets are connected by rods 7 2 with pivoted treadles73 in front of and below the seat 67. The operator may swing one or the other of these rudders about its rudder post to change the direction of flight of this apparatus to one side or the These rudders are not necessary as tion of the wings, but I prefer to provide them merely as auxiliaries for use in calm weather.

80 designates the propeller shaft which is rotatably mounted in the framework of the apparatus and is connected by belts 81 with motors 82. I prefer to use a propeller of some such form as that illustrated somewhat in detail in Figs. 16, 17 and 18, which embodies the principles disclosed in a copending -application for Letters Patent, Serial Number 517,531, filed by me on the 13th day of September, 1909, and is a development or modilication thereof. This propeller comprises a rim 83 which is supported on a central hub by a pair of fixed spokes 84: and a pair of rotatable spokes 85 which project through and beyond the rim. To these rotary spokes are rigidly aiiixed cross-arms 86 and spreaders 87, and over each of the frames thus formed is a sheet-like covering 88 which forms the propeller blades. The inner ends of the cross-arms 86 are connected with the rim through springs 89 the is adjustable. These springs tend to hold the blade of the propeller parallel with the axis of the shaft 80 when the apparatus is at rest, but allow them to rotate about the axes of the spokes 85 when the rim is rotated and to assume desired angles of incidence variable in proportion to the speed at which they are driven. These Variable angles are dependent upon the tension of the springs which may be changed to suit dierent conditions. Thus a propeller of great efl'iciency is provided and one which has no fixed speed of maximum eiliciency.

I have already pointed out some of the operations of this device, and before describing the other figures of the drawings I will point out others. In starting the apparatus the propeller shaft is accelerated until a considerable propulsive force is obtained. Then the operator raises thc catch 30 which allows the upper or fixed skids to slide through the auxiliary skids with but slight frictional resistance. This arrangement greatly facilitates the starting of the apparatus and getting it oft' from the ground as there is almost no resistance in getting the machine from rest into motion, lwhich part of the operation of starting aeroplanes is usually attended by great resistance to their forward movement.

The supporting frame of a machine of this character necessarily is of considerable size and consequently offers a good deal of resistance to its movement through the air. The prow construction reduces this resistance to a minimum. Its diverging under surfaces passing through the air help to sustain the apparatus and at the same time turn the air outward and upward against the fixed wings 36. The strut or tail is designed to reduce the dragging effect of the masses passing through the air and at the same time supports the rudders in effective positions.

The perfect control of the relative positions of the main wings provides a better means for balancing the apparatus and guiding its vertical movements. This arrangement also makes the machine adaptable for different conditions so that the one aeroplane may be used for lifting weights, for speed, or for rising to high altitudes.

Many of the advantages of such an apparatus as has hitherto been described may also be gained by the machine of the monoplane type suoli as that which is shown in Figs. 20 and 21. In this case the frame 10A has the struts which form the lower portion of the diamond-shaped parts of the frame carried up to the parts designated by 41"-, where they support the plane which is divided into two wings. These supports may be constructed in a manner like that before described and the devices for controlling the positions of these wings may also be provided. From the main portion of the frame project fore and aft the covered prow and the tail 16. Skids 20A are shown under this apparatus.

The operation of this form of my invention is similar to that previously described. The same kind of framework may also be used for a biplane designed,lif desired, by adding the fixed wings 36A in the positions indicated in Fig.

I have described the many novel features of a complete machine, all of which work together to form a unitary apparatus which is safe, has great flexibility of control, adaptability to different kinds of work, and high efficiency.

I have illustrated more than one form of my invention to show that I do not limit myself to any specific form of construction or arrangement of parts.

IVhat I claim is.

1. An aeroplane comprising a body portion, a covered frame projecting forwardly therefrom forming a prow with a pair of under surfaces oblique to each other and to the direction of movement of the aeroplane; a covered frame projecting rearwardly from the body portion forming a tail with flat surfaces converging to two lines substantially at right-angles.

2. An aeroplane comprising a body portion, a covered frame projecting forwardly therefrom forming a prow with a pair of under surfaces oblique to each other and to the direction of movement of the aeroplane; and a covered frame projecting rearwardly from the body portion forming a tail with flat surfaces converging to two posts substantially at right-angles, and a rudder pivotally mounted upon each of said posts and arranged to be swung outwardly from said tail.

3. :An aeroplane comprising a body portion, a covered frameprojecting forwardly therefrom forming a prow with a pair of under surfaces oblique to each other and to the direction of movement of the aeroplane, planes projecting from the sides of the body portion back of and above said under surfaces and a covered 'frame projecting rearwardly from the body portion forming a tail with plane converging surfaces and terminating in two lines at an angle to each other.

4. An aeroplane comprising a body portion, a covered frame projecting forwardly therefrom forming a prow with a pair of flat under surfaces oblique to each other and to the direction of movement of the aeroplane, planes projecting from the sides of the body portion back of and above said under surfaces, and a covered frame projecting rearwardly from the body portion forming a tail with at surfaces converging to two lines at substantially right-angles to each other.

5. An aeroplane comprising a pair of independent supporting wings, an axis for each wing, a single control device arranged to move said wings about their axes in the same direction or in opposite directions, and separate means for tilting each of said axes.

6. An aeroplanev comprising a body poi'- tion, a covered frame projecting forwardly therefrom forming a prow with a pair of flat under surfaces oblique to each other and to the direction of movement of the aeroplane, planes projecting from the sides of the body portion back of and above said under surfaces, a covered frame projecting rearwardly from the body portion forming a tail with flat surfaces converging to two lines at substantially right-angles to each other; two main wings, and means for tilting and turning, jointly and separately said wings in either direction in relation to said body portion and to the fixed planes.

7. An aeroplane comprising a body por tion, two main supporting wings largely relied upon to sustain the aeroplane, auxiliary fixed planes projecting from the sides of the body near the main wings, and means for raising and lowering the inner ends of said wings to tilt them in relation to said body portion and in relation to the fixed planes.

8. An aeroplane comprising a body portion, a covered prow projecting forwardly therefrom, an elongated tail portion projecting rearwardly from the body portion and fixed planes projecting from the sides of the body portion; two main wings and means for raising and lowering the inner `ends of the wings 4and rotating them on their longitudinal axes to tilt and turn said wings in relation to said body portion and to the fixed planes.

9. An aeroplane having a body, two supporting wings, one on each side and materially above the body, intermediate supports for the wings, means for raising and lowering the inner end of one of the wings and independent means for raising and lowering the inner end of the other wing whereby either of the wings may be tilted with relation to the body and means for rotating the wings on their longitudinal axes either in thesame direction or oppositely.

10. An aeroplane having a covered frame constituting a body, two supporting wings, one on each side and materially above the body, an intermediate support for each of the wings, means for raising and lowering the adjacent ends of the wings and means for rotating the wings on their longitudinal axes either in the same direction or oppositely.

11. An aeroplane comprising al body frame, a prow projecting forwardly therefrom and a tail portion projecting rearwardly therefrom, lower side planes rigidly affixed to the body frame, upper planes constituting supporting wings materially above the body with their adjacent edges close to the central plane of the machine, a support for each upper plane intermediate its ends, and a vertically adjustable support for each upper plane at its inner end, said supports being arranged to permit the tilting of each of said planes about its lateral axis and the turning of each of said planes about its longitudinal axis.

l2. An aeroplane comprising a main body frame` a prow projecting forwardly from the body frame and a tail portion extending rearwardly from the body frame having a pair of laterally inclined rudder posts at an :ingle to each other, rigid central lateral spars extending outwardly from the body frame, rigid planes therein, risers aflixed to and extending upwardly from opposite sides of the main body frame, upper planes pivotally mounted at the upper ends of the tral longitudinal shaft between the upper -and lower planes, a motor for driving the propeller, a rudder hinge-connected to each of the rudder posts, and a control mechanism for adjusting the positions of either ot' the upper planes.

13. An aeroplane comprising a main body frame, a prow projecting forwardly from the body frame and a tail portion extending rearwardly from the body frame having a pair of laterally inclined rudder posts at an vangle to each other, rigid 'planes extending laterally from the respective sides of the body frame, risers affixed to and extending upwardly from opposite sides of the body frame, upper planes pivotally mounted at the upper ends of the respective risers and means for turning` each of the upper planes about its longitudinal axis and for raising and lowering the inner end of either or both of the upper planes to tilt them relative to the body frame and to the rigid planes.

14. An aeroplane comprising a main body frame, a prow projecting forwardly from the body frame and a tail portion extending rearwardly from the body frame having a pair of laterally inclined rudder posts at an anglo to each other, risers aiXed to and eX- tending upwardly from opposite sides of the body frame, planes materially above the body pivotally mounted at the upper ends of the respective risers, the inner ends of the planes being adjustable either independently of each other or together.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MARIUS C. KRARUP. lVitnesses:

ELLA TUCH, J. R. MmLwARD.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ive cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

